Rs 95-cr makeover plan promises greener, cleaner nullahs in Panchkula

From foul smell to heaps of garbage to stagnant water, residents living near the city’s two major nullahs have long reeled under civic issues related to the drains. However, relief is finally on the horizon as the Panchkula Metropolitan Development Authority (PMDA) is set to embark on its long-awaited Rs 95.42-crore project to rejuvenate and beautify the water bodies.

The project, which is in its final planning stages, promises a much-needed transformation. “We understand the challenges residents have faced for years, and we are committed to addressing them. The detailed project report is ready and will be sent to the government in next few days,” a senior PMDA official said.

Once sanctioned, the project will see tenders being floated in around two months’ time. The Singh Nullah, one of the drains, will see extensive upgrades. Its water flow will be regulated within an eight-metre-wide drain with a one-metre-high boundary wall on either side.

Currently, the water meanders across uneven surfaces, accumulating at certain points and emitting a foul smell. “The stench and garbage of the nullah right next to our market have made life here extremely difficult. The stagnant water worsens the situation, with insects breeding and the smell unbearable at times. This also affects the footfall here,” Dr Deepika, who runs a clinic in Swastik Vihar near a nullah, said.

To address the issue, the bottom bed will be levelled and packed with two feet of boulder gravel to separate waste from water.

Additionally, it will have a retaining wall of 1-2.5 m, depending on the area. It will be topped with a six-foot net with slope at the top to prevent garbage dumping.

Encroachments along the 5.6-km stretch of the nullah will also be removed.

Beyond the retaining wall, plans include cycling and walking tracks, plantation drives, 10 badminton courts, a gymnastics area and footbridges to improve connectivity and leisure options for residents.

The second nullah, spanning 5.3 km, starting from near Mansa Devi Mandir and passing through Sector 5, Rajiv Colony etc, faces unique challenges due to limited space along its sides.

While recreational tracks cannot be added here, PMDA officials assured that the core issues of waste dumping and water stagnation will be addressed by making an eight-metre-wide drain and retaining walls with nets.